Primark marks the next step in its ambition towards becoming a more circular business with the launch of its updated Circular Product Standard 2.0. First launched in 2023, it sets out Primark’s approach to embedding and scaling circular design in its products, inspired by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation vision for a circular economy for fashion.
Informed by three years of learning, testing and collaboration, the revised framework provides a clear and practical approach to circular design for Primark and its suppliers. It defines what Primark means by a circular by design, including:
- Durability: Designed in line with its Durability Framework so clothes can be loved for longer.
- Materials: Made with recycled or more sustainably sourced fibres.
- Recyclability: Designed to be recycled at the end of its life.
Since its initial launch, circular design guidelines have been developed for nine key product areas, including denim, jersey, knitwear, nightwear, shirts, skirts, blouses, dresses and leisurewear.
5% of all clothing units sold at Primark during 2024/2005 financial year were circular by design. Within key categories, this increased to 20% of jersey and 8% of denim. In Circular Product Standard 2.0, Primark has focused on solutions that are practical, achievable, and scalable. The approach has been simplified to help Product Teams embed circular design into everyday decisions. This includes making small but meaningful changes, such as reducing the depth of elasticated waistbands or removing non‑functional metal elements like rivets. A new ‘Progressive’ design level has also been introduced, setting clearer expectations for more advanced design by raising requirements around materials, durability and recyclability, including the use of post‑consumer recycled textiles. Primark has also identified more recyclable printing techniques to help improve recyclability.
Primark continues to build a better understanding in circular design with relevant teams through training developed with the partners such as the Circular Textiles Foundation. Any buyer joining Primark is offered training on circular design.
Nicholas Lambert, head of circularity and materials at Primark, commented: “As we relaunch and update our Circular Product Standard, we do so with the benefit of having learned a lot over the past three years. We know that we haven’t solved every challenge or answered every question – far from it. Instead, we hope this updated approach reflects our commitment to learn and continue to achieve progress (not perfection) in collaboration with our partners, suppliers, and colleagues. We continue to firmly believe that circular fashion should be affordable for all. We hope that this updated Circular Product Standard 2.0 will support that ambition.”
Primark is currently reviewing its wider sustainability strategy to focus on where it can have the greatest impact, in line with evolving regulations and customer expectations. Circularity remains central to this approach and will continue to be a key focus for the business.
